North Devon Football League: Three titles decided on penultimate weekend

Pilton Academicals with the North Devon Senior league trophy. Picture: Rob Bates

An action packed weekend in the North Devon Football League saw three of the four division titles wrapped up.

Park United took on a depleted Torridgeside Reserves on Saturday. Picture: Matt Smart

Park United, Pilton Academicals and Bideford CAFC Spurs were each crowned champions of their respective divisions on the penultimate weekend of the season.

Park's 7-0 win at home to Torridgeside Reserves wasn't enough to seal the Premier title on its own, but Bradworthy's victories over Braunton on Saturday and North Molton on Sunday meant a first league title was officially theirs.

It took a little while for Park to break down Torridgeside, who started the match with eight players before managing to rope in some extra players.

They held out until the 25th minute thanks to a string of saves from Tony Ellis and some organised defending. John Downing netted the opener and Ricky Marinaro struck from distance to make it 2-0 at half-time.

Park United took on a depleted Torridgeside Reserves on Saturday. Picture: Matt Smart

Dave Brown, Phillip Kelly, another from Downing and a brace from Mischa Howe wrapped up victory in the second half.

As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were tying the knot on Saturday, Bradworthy were grinding out a 3-2 victory over Braunton.

Tudor Placinta scored a brace for the Horniwinks, Gary Clarke also netted. Scott Maynard scored twice for Braunton, who also saw a penalty saved by Oliver Jenkins.

Bradworthy followed up with a 2-0 win at North Molton, with Placinta and Clarke scoring again. There was also another penalty saved, this time Sam Munday denied the Stags from scoring.

Park United took on a depleted Torridgeside Reserves on Saturday. Picture: Matt Smart

Braunton's promotion hopes dashed

For Braunton, their hopes of promotion to the South West Peninsula League have been dashed after losing 4-0 to Shamwickshire Rovers on Sunday.

The result means the Seasiders have to beat Park in their final game of the season and hope North Molton and Boca Seniors drop points in their remaining two games.

Bideford Spurs with the Intermediate Two trophy. Picture: Rob Bates

It was Boca who were the big winners on Sunday - beating Shebbear United 15-0 at Mill Road.

Craig Sandle scored a double hat-trick, and there were five goals for Scott Sharp. Damian Green (2), Ed Jenkins and Alfie Moulden also scored.

Pilton win Senior title

In the Senior, Pilton Academicals knew three points against Appledore Reserves would be enough for the title and they did just that.

They beat the Fishermen 3-1 at Mill Road on Saturday, and were presented with the Senior trophy after the final whistle.

Luke Arkless netted for his 54th goal of the season - and possible the Senior golden boot trophy - when he turned in a Quyen Tran cross with his head.

Tran followed up with two of his own, first heading home a cross from Ben Paul, then heading in again from an Arkless free kick after Joe Wretham had pulled one back for Appledore.

They finish their campaign on Saturday, travelling to Combe Martin.

Chittlehampton's push for second place was boosted on Saturday, when they were given a walkover win against High Bickington, with the hosts unable to fulfil the fixture.

Kilkhampton hit double figures in their win over Georgeham and Croyde, beating them 11-0.

A Corey Herbert double helped Putford to a 3-1 win against Merton. Arran Brooks also netted for Putford, while Jake Thorne scored for Merton.

Shamwickshire Rovers Reserves played a double header at Combe Martin on Saturday. After winning the first match 2-1, they followed up with a 1-0 win straight after.

Spurs wrap up Intermediate Two

Bideford CAFC Spurs got their hands on the Intermediate Two trophy on Sunday after an 11-3 win over Bridgerule Reserves.

They lifted their fourth piece of silverware of the season after playing the side they beat in the Bill Smale Cup final to lift their first.

Sam Stephens scored a hat-trick in the win, and there were two apiece for Kyle England and Sam Grimley. Shaun Cunningham, Pete Ellis and Josh Parry also netted.

They had got the points they needed to seal the league title the day before with a 4-2 win over Eastside. Stephens and Carl Roberts both scoring twice.

About North Devon Gazette

First published in 1856 as the Bideford Gazette, the North Devon Gazette is the free newspaper and website for the region, covering a vast area from Hartland in the west to Lynton in the east and to South Molton and Holsworthy in the south.